Germaine Greer managed to put her foot in her mouth at the 1012 Brisbane Writers Festival in Australia. if I know anything about Greer – an outspoken leader of the Woman’s Rights Movement in England and author the famous, The Female Eunuch — she meant to do it. In a way, it does her credit. Putting one’s foot in one’s mouth while maintaining perfect balance requires agility and Greer always manages that. I recall her debate on women’s issues with the liquid tongued William F. Buckley. Point after point, she wrestled him to the ground and left him with a smile on his face. My guess is that her attack at the writers’ festival had a purpose. Perhaps it was the prelude to some new book she’s written and hopes to increase sales by stirring up controversy.

Cynicism aside, I agree with much of what Greer is reported to have said — which is that the growth of the self-publishing industry is a “cruel exploitation of vulnerable people.” (“Germain (sic) Greer Attacks Brisbane Festival” by Fran Metcalf, The Courier-Mail 9/6/24 as reported in news.com.au) I’m also inclined to feel as she does that if a writer cannot attract a publisher or an agent “then its (sic) back to the drawing board, not going along with your cheque book.” (Ibid.)

Her advice was roughly received by many aspirants who hope to find an audience on their own. Still, as unpopular as the advice might be, that doesn’t make it wrong. Maybe we who hope to be well-read authors should listen.

Caroline published a serialized novelette, Marie Eau-Claire, on the website, The Colored Lens. She also published the story Gustav Pavel, a parable about ordinary lives, choice and alternate potential, on the website Fixional.co.